- Location: Vientiane, Laos
- Year of construction: 1566
- Contact phone: +856 20 95 210 600
- Cost of visit: about $ 0.3
- Opening hours: 8: 00-16: 00, break 12: 00-13: 00
One of the most important religious and national monuments of the country is the Pha That Luang Temple, which is a symbol of the unity of Laos and Buddhism. The full name of this building sounds like Pha Jedy Lokayulamani, which means "World Precious Sacred Stupa". The religious complex has a rich history and many relics, and the image of That Luang is even present on the national coat of arms of Laos, which once again underscores its importance for Lao people.
Location:
The residence and the That Luang Temple are located near the city of Vientiane , the capital of Laos.
History of creation
That Luang was built in 1566 by the decree of King Setthathirath on the site of the Khmer monastery, which used to exist here. After 4 years Stupa was surrounded by four temples in the corners. Only two of them have survived to this day - Wat That Luang Neua, standing on the north side, and Wat That Luang Tai - from the south. The architectural complex was also protected by a fence. After several wars in the XVIII-XIX century That Luang was plundered and abandoned.
At the turn of the XIX-XX centuries the first restoration of the complex began, but it was not possible to reconstruct the external appearance. It was decided to hold a second restoration, which was carried out in all Buddhist traditions and completed in 1935. In 1995, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Stupa was gilded, and now shines and amazes with her beauty. Nowadays That Luang serves as the residence of the Buddhist patriarch of Laos, but everyone can enter the courtyard.
What can you see in Thoat Luang?
The That Luang Temple complex is located in a park surrounded by several beautiful buildings, religious buildings, monuments, alleys and places for prayer and solitude. There are several interesting and important objects here:
- The first thing that catches the eye at the entrance to the complex is the statue of King Setthathirath , by decree of which the structure was built. It is a very respected figure in Laos, the founder of Vientiane and the Golden Stupa, an ardent defender of his country. Laotians, visiting That Luang, first approach the statue of the king to leave at the foot of the offering and aromatic sticks.
- That Luang is a three-tier structure, each tier is dedicated to individual aspects of Buddhism. On the last tier there is the Great (Great, Golden) Stupa , which gave the name to the whole complex. Its height is 45 m. If you look closely at the Great Stupa, you can see that it is made in the form of a pyramid with an arrow, as if leaving in the sky, and its base resembles a lotus flower.
- In the southern part of the park you can visit the temple of Wat That Luang Tai . The most memorable is the statue of the Buddha lying in the open air. In this structure it is also interesting to look at the Lao architecture, ceiling painting in one of the pavilions, telling visitors about episodes from the life of the Buddha and the Buddhist commandments.
- There are very interesting things in the temple of Wat That Luang Tai , for example, a carved wooden trough in the form of a dragon in a ceremonial pavilion. It is used during the local New Year, called Bun Pimai Lao. Water is poured into the gutter, the resulting trickles of which are washed by the statue of Buddha.
- On the street there is a mock-up of the traditional long Laotian boat with the dragon's head in front.
- On the north side is the temple of Wat That Luang Neua , which serves as the residence of the Laotian Buddhist patriarch. The building looks very strict and at the same time solemnly, it is led by a stone staircase. There are always a few visitors. Many ritual things are exhibited, in the hall there are paintings on Buddhist themes.
Developments
Every year, in honor of the That Luang Temple, the Great Stupa Festival is held, which lasts 3 days and falls on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month in November.
Around Thath Luang, archaeological excavations continue today. All found statues and other artifacts are placed in a closed gallery along the perimeter of the Great Stupa. In addition, on the square in front of the temple complex are often held festive events, ceremonies and competitions of athletes.
In memory of visiting this temple complex in a small market nearby you can buy souvenirs and figurines of the Buddha and the Golden Stupa.
How to get there?
To visit Tho Luang in Vientiane , it is easier and more convenient to go to your destination by taxi or mototaxi. It is worth it in Laos inexpensively. You can also go by bus, bike or go on foot. Stupa is located about 4 km north of the center of Vientiane.